What is Can You See Us about? Netflix movie explained

❘ Published: 2023-09-22T15:39:01

Netflix

Can You See Us has had lots of interest since arriving on Netflix – here’s everything you need to know about the movie, including what it’s about, who’s in the cast, and if it’s worth watching.

As August draws to a close, Netflix is still producing must-watch content every week: Who is Erin Carter? is the latest show to top the chart, sports fans have been tucking into Untold’s Jake Paul and Johnny Football documentaries, and that’s before we get to Depp v Heard, Painkiller, Ballers, and more.

There’s also an outlier: Can You See Us, a 2022 movie that’s on the streaming platform, has quickly sparked curiosity online amid positive word-of-mouth.

So, here’s what you should know about Can You See Us and if it’s worth checking out.

What is Can You See Us about?

Can You See Us follows a young boy with albinism in Zambia, and it’s the first full-length Zambian movie to be shown on Netflix.

You can check out the trailer below:

The official synopsis reads: “Rejected by his father at birth, a boy with albinism navigates a childhood of bullying, tragedy, and cautious hope in this coming-of-age drama.”

In a statement (as per What Kept Me Up), producer Yasmin Dodia-Mumba said: “It means a lot to have a feature film on Netflix, especially that it is the first feature film out of Zambia to be on the platform. My hope is that this will open doors for other Zambian filmmakers and African filmmakers to aim for more than has been achieved thus far.”

Kenny Roc Mumba, the movie’s director, described it as a “film that challenges preconceived notions, explores the depths of human connection, and delves into the complexities of perception. It is a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in the unconventional. Through this story, we aim to shed light on the experiences of those living with albinism, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.”

Can You See Us cast: Who’s in it?

The Can You See Us cast includes:

Thabo Kaamba
Kondwani Elliot Zulu
Robert Nyirenda
George Sikazwe
Ruth Jule
Francisca M. Muchangwe

While playing the boy at the heart of the film, Thabo Kaamba is a young girl who has albinism in real life. She first crossed paths with Yoweli, a local Zambian filmmaker, on the set of Ubuntu Season 2, leading to her audition for Can You See Us.

Is Can You See Us worth watching?

While there’s no Rotten Tomatoes score, Can You See Us has received positive reviews.

The Midgard Times wrote that it “captivates not through a litany of praises for its cast, but through its artful portrayal of life’s rawness. It’s a tribute to the indomitable will to survive, to find beauty amid the chaos, and to etch one’s mark upon the world. A narrative symphony that resonates, long after the last note fades away.”

My Afrika Magazine also wrote: “It is both an inspirational and aspirational story of self-discovery and diversity. The emotional appeal of the movie tugs at the heartstrings of every human and ignites a mindset change towards our brothers and sisters living with albinism globally. The story cuts across cultural, religious, racial, and ethnicity barriers.”

IMDB users have also given Can You See Us an average of 7.3/10.

Can You See Us is streaming on Netflix now. You can check out our other upcoming hubs below: